Software

According to a recent statement made by Blender developer Dalai Felinto, the Blender for iPad project has been put on hold. No further clarifications were stated, apart from an unofficial response claiming that the team has prioritized Android tablets.

Advertised as an operating system "that provides a breadth of functionality and ease of use without sacrificing aesthetics," Bluestar Linux has just been updated to version 6.18.9. Its highlights include LibreOffice 26.2.1, the 6.18.13 kernel, the Nvidia driver with version number 590.48.01, Firefox 148, Chromium 145.0.7632.116, and more.

Many ISP-provided routers are closed black boxes with limited functionality. In part 3 of my “Unbloated Network” project, I show how to install OpenWRT on an x86 PC to replace the Vodafone router with your own hardware. Step by step, we’ll set up the latest stable release, including image selection, Linux-based installation, and partition expansion.

Following reports of a critical firmware-level malware attack on certain Alldocube tablets, the company has now issued an official response, listing affected devices while promising OTA firmware updates early next month to remedy the situation.

Version 7.5 of the Debian-based Irish-flavored Linux distro with a strong focus on online anonymity and security, namely Tails, is now available with several updated apps and the usual set of bugs and fixes. It is also the first version that installs Thunderbird as additional software on each start.

Although based on Debian's unstable branch, Clonezilla Live 3.3.1-35 is available as a stable version. Its highlights include the 6.18.9 kernel, Partclone 0.3.45, improved BitLocker support, makeboot64.cmd instead of makeboot64.bat, as well as several other improvements, fixes, and tweaks.

Xiaomi is now offering significant camera updates for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Delivered just as the device is set to be released globally, the new Android 16-based update introduces various optimisations, new features, and even one that was previously exclusive to the Leica Edition special edition variant.

Packing roots that can be traced back to a personal SUSE Studio project that came out in 2014, today's NebiOS has just received an update to version 10.2. This release sports multiple bug fixes, two components entirely rewritten, namely Bundle Store and napp-runtime, as well as plenty of improvements to the NebiDE desktop.

Microsoft’s optional Windows 11 update KB5077241 (24H2/25H2) adds a built-in internet speed test, native Sysmon support, and fixes aimed at improving wake from sleep and overall responsiveness.

Garmin has started offering a new update to one of its flagship smartwatches. Rolling out globally, the new update is designed to improve the cellular connectivity experience following a recent major software release. Only the Fenix 8 Pro is set to receive the new update, though.

According to the release notes of the latest Steam Client Beta, Valve has revealed that a bug which may have affected VRAM reporting in earlier Steam surveys has now been solved. Moreover, the patch will also affect gaming rigs with multiple GPUs.

Multiple Garmin smartwatches are in line for a new round of improvements. Delivered by the second stable update in a week, the improvements should resolve outstanding issues that affected a recent major software release.

Apple is blocking 18+ App Store downloads in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore unless users are confirmed as adults, while expanding its Declared Age Range API and related compliance tools for developers in multiple regions.

After massive backlash from the community, Discord has decided to delay its global age verification rollout to the second half of 2026. The company also plans to add more verification options instead of relying only on government IDs or facial scans.

Winux 11.26.03 LTS, unleashed yesterday and also labeled as the "Pre-March 2026" release, comes with overall security improvements and package updates. It comes with the 6.17 kernel, themes inspired by Windows 10 and 11 for PowerTools, and includes OnlyOffice, Microsoft Edge, Heroic Launcher, and more.

Garmin has revealed its new Feature Update. Culling the Fenix 7 series entirely, the February 2026 Feature Update contains numerous new features for newer smartwatches, like the expansion of the Garmin Fitness Coach and Sleep Alignment, among other changes.

Discord says its UK Persona age-verification test has ended, and its support docs explain how “age assurance” will work as teen-by-default settings roll out.

Security researchers have discovered a new pre-installed Android malware, dubbed Keenadu, which is not only extremely dangerous, granting almost complete device privileges to bad actors, but is also nearly impossible to remove without expert help.

Now built on LibreELEC 12.2, Lakka 6.1 is a new release of this retro console emulator for single-board computers. Back in April 2024, version 5.0 came out, and since then, the team has been working on revamping the core ecosystem and introducing several new features.

The FBI issued an IC3 FLASH advisory warning of increased malware-enabled ATM jackpotting in the U.S., naming Ploutus malware, sharing IOCs, and outlining mitigation steps.

Labeled as the "Goodbye Lubuntu/Ubuntu" release, OmegaLinux arrives with an Arch Linux base while keeping the LXDE desktop to continue supporting low-end hardware. However, the new base provides faster updates and a more streamlined system while requiring users to adapt to its more technical approach.

Garmin has delivered a new update to one of its high-end smartwatches. Available globally, the new update coincides with Garmin bringing manual sleep focus options to the Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Pro, too.

A bill proposed by Colorado lawmakers aims to integrate age checks into operating systems, which will then be shared with apps. Understandably, folks online are not thrilled about it, and have pointed out several interesting loopholes.

According to a reliable source, WhatsApp is developing a feature which will finally allow users to schedule messages to be sent at a later date and time, without having to resort to non-native workarounds.

Garmin offers a paid premium service for its wearables. Many users have strongly criticized this kind of paywall, but it probably won’t go away anytime soon.

Google is phasing out Android’s longtime Weather app experience and redirecting users to a redesigned Google Search results page instead. While the new interface still shows forecasts, air quality, and AI-generated summaries, it lacks the fast, native feel of the original full-screen weather view. The change leaves most Android users without a proper first-party weather app, unless they own a Pixel.

Motorola has begun rolling out the Android 16 update to two of its 2025 foldable smartphones in the US. The update is being rolled out by Verizon and T-Mobile, but there are no reports of it rolling out to the Razr+ 2025.

Google has shipped newer Chrome 145 Stable builds after the CVE-2026-2441 zero-day fix, adding three more security patches, updating Extended Stable, and prompting a CISA KEV listing for the exploited flaw.

While Samsung has yet to roll out One UI 8.5 widely, work on One UI 9 appears to be progressing in parallel. A leak has surfaced online that points to a new software feature for the upcoming Android 17-based custom skin.

A new update for the Rivian app brings a companion app for the Apple Watch. The watch app allows users to lock and unlock car doors, set cabin temperature, and view battery status right from their wrists.

Garmin has finally released its long-awaited next stable update for one of its high-end smartwatches. Available globally, the new firmware differs from a similar update that recently debuted on other smartwatches in key areas. The new update should reach the Tactix 8 as an OTA download.

Google has released Gemini 3.1 Pro in preview across the Gemini app, NotebookLM, Vertex AI, and the Gemini API. Google highlights a 77.1% verified ARC-AGI-2 score and calls it a step forward in core reasoning.

Nintendo has released a free Mario app for mobile devices as well as the Switch and Switch 2 handhelds. The internet-free app allows kids and their guardians interact with Mario in several fun ways.

Insiders have been trying out new features that will be rolled out to all other users in the next update for Windows 11 from Microsoft. These include a network speed test integrated into the taskbar.

Windows 11 KB5077181 (OS Builds 26100.7840/26200.7840) shipped on Feb. 10, 2026. On a Lenovo LOQ test system, KB5077181 installed Feb. 11 (Build 26200.7840) and was followed by Wi-Fi instability, Bluetooth disconnects, stutter, and slow shutdowns.

With Lyria 3, Google is integrating a music generation tool into the Gemini app for the first time. Users can create 30-second songs complete with automatically generated lyrics, sung vocals, and cover artwork simply by entering a text prompt or uploading an image. The feature is currently available in the Gemini beta.

Windows 10 ESU update KB5075912 (Build 19045.6937) is rolling out for February 2026, addressing a shutdown/hibernation restart issue on some Secure Launch-capable PCs and carrying Secure Boot rollout targeting data.

Android 17 Beta 1 is now rolling out to supported Google Pixel devices. Here’s the official device list, how to install the beta, and what Google says is new in Beta 1.

An early leak has surfaced regarding Android 17-based custom skins for Oppo and OnePlus smartphones. ColorOS 17 and OxygenOS 17 are tipped to include improvements to performance, animations, and camera features.

An alternative operating system is intended to breathe life into older smartwatches. A new version is now available and adds new features and comes with a mix of major and minor changes.

Google has announced the expansion of AirDrop support via Quick Share to more Pixel smartphones. Previously exclusive to Pixel 10 smartphones, the feature will soon be making its way to older models too. Unfortunately, Google has decided to restrict the functionality to flagships only.

Garmin has launched a new update for many of its high-end smartwatches. Available globally, the update is the second v26.xx firmware and replaces the company's recent Beta Version 26.02 release for the Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro and other smartwatches.

Nvidia has released Linux driver 580.126.18, a recommended update that fixes a kernel module build issue affecting Linux kernel v6.19. Here’s what changed and who should update.

Intel Arc B580 and Arc A770 have been tested with XeSS 3 Multi-Frame Generation. Using 4x MFG, the Intel Arc B580 and Arc A770 show strong performance gains, achieving over 200% better FPS in some games. Intel has also reportedly done a good job with managing latency through XeLL.

Valve’s Steam client beta adds optional PC specs labels to game reviews and an opt-in setting to share anonymized framerate data focused on SteamOS devices, helping add context to performance complaints.

Activision has confirmed Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile will go offline on April 17, 2026. The game is already delisted, real-money purchases ended in May 2025, and unused COD Points won’t be refunded.

Garmin has now released a new update to many of its high-end smartwatches. The first truly new stable update in months, System Software 21.25 contains almost two-dozen new features, improvements and bug fixes. All are available across Fenix E, Fenix 8, Enduro 3 and Quatix 8 series smartwatches.

TeamSpeak confirmed that the spike in activity has been so strong that hosting capacity in several regions, especially in the United States, reached its limit.

Garmin has been spotted rolling out a new stable update to high-end smartwatches like the Fenix 8 Pro. Still unofficial for the time being, System Software 21.25 should introduce dozens of new features and bug fixes over System Software 20.29.

Apple has finally added a long-awaited feature to macOS 26.4 Tahoe, which should allow MacBook users to prolong the lifespan of their MacBook's battery. However, the developers behind apps such as AlDente will now have some re-thinking to do.